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Original poster

Help! I think my job offer is about to fall through…

30 replies

supportneeded9 · 01/04/2025 10:32

I have just been made redundant after 3 years and my last day with the company was yesterday. I had been off sick since January due to stress at work (long story)

I interviewed for a new job a few weeks ago and was offered the position. They contacted my referees yesterday and my former employer has replied asking them to provide my consent again in writing. I’ve never heard of this, it’s not their usual process and it’s making me anxious!

I haven’t disclosed I was off sick (as far as I’m aware you don’t have to and they never asked anyway) I just told them I was being made redundant. I haven’t replied to the email yet. I don’t know what information they’ve requested from my old job so I don’t know what I’m consenting to!

OP posts:
NellieJean · 01/04/2025 10:53

A reference must be factual so your company can tell them your sickness record if asked. Some companies have a policy of only providing basic information, job title, length of service etc. You can ask your company what their policy is.

ACynicalDad · 01/04/2025 10:52

If your referee gives you an inaccurate reference, I believe you have grounds to sue, might be worth some googling and just reminding them. You have a right to see any reference written about you, which may be worth reminding them.

TeenLifeMum · 01/04/2025 10:52

@ShhhhhItsASurprise i think that’s recently changed.

Can you contact ex employer and request a basis HR reference confirming employment? Then you can submit that to new employer.

ShhhhhItsASurprise · 01/04/2025 10:50

They can ask about sickness absence. You could contact the new company and ask what they are asking for because your previous employer has requested consent to release.

Have you got an agreed reference as part of the redundancy?

Original poster
supportneeded9 · 01/04/2025 10:47

Just to add, when I originally consented and provided their contact details, I presumed they would only request basic information such as job title, dates etc etc.

OP posts: